The Gods of Mars

Burroughs’ second book in the classic Barsoom series, The Gods of Mars is a scientific fiction novel following the adventures of John Carter as he returns to Mars after a ten year hiatus in the hope of being reunited with his wife, child and the Red Martian people. First published as a five-part serial in a pulp magazine in the course of 1913, the novel was later published as a whole in 1918. A tale of audacity, honor, optimism, and perseverance, Burroughs successfully builds on to the previous book allowing a broader view of the Red Planet.

The novel begins as John Carter returns to Barsoom after his involuntary absence of ten years and finds himself in the Valley Dor, or the Barsoomian afterlife from which no one is permitted to leave. However, the Valley Dor is anything but a spiritual haven and instead Carter discovers that it is a ruse, forged by the Therns, a race of self-proclaimed gods. For eons they have deceived Barsoomians into believing that the pilgrimage to the Valley Dor is a journey to paradise, although in reality most visitors are either killed or enslaved by the Therns. Accompanied by friend Tars Tarkas, the pair tries to escape from the place, and are aided by the confusion caused by an attack by the Black Pirates of Barsoom upon the Therns. Taking advantage of the present mayhem, Carter and his accomplices are able to hijack a Black Pirate flier, killing most of the Pirates in the process and saving a Thern captive. Carter learns that the Black Pirates or the “First Born”, also see themselves as gods therefore clarifying their hatred for the Therns. The Red Planet finds itself in a time of crisis, immersed in religious and schismatic conflict, and it is up to Carter to not only participate but maneuver a planetary scale revolution.

Burroughs continues his fast moving plot full of action and twists, as the endearing hero must prevail through many obstacles and bring order between the inhabitants, while ultimately reuniting himself with his family. The Gods of Mars is an exciting installment in the Barsoom series which continues to pave the way for science fiction as its protagonist faces his greatest challenges and deadliest dangers to date.

Burroughs’ second book in the classic Barsoom series, The Gods of Mars is a scientific fiction novel following the adventures of John Carter as he returns to Mars after a ten year hiatus in the hope of being reunited with his wife, child and the Red Martian people. First published as a five-part serial in a pulp magazine in the course of 1913, the novel was later published as a whole in 1918. A tale of audacity, honor, optimism, and perseverance, Burroughs successfully builds on to the previous book allowing a broader view of the Red Planet.

The novel begins as John Carter returns to Barsoom after his involuntary absence of ten years and finds himself in the Valley Dor, or the Barsoomian afterlife from which no one is permitted to leave. However, the Valley Dor is anything but a spiritual haven and instead Carter discovers that it is a ruse, forged by the Therns, a race of self-proclaimed gods. For eons they have deceived Barsoomians into believing that the pilgrimage to the Valley Dor is a journey to paradise, although in reality most visitors are either killed or enslaved by the Therns. Accompanied by friend Tars Tarkas, the pair tries to escape from the place, and are aided by the confusion caused by an attack by the Black Pirates of Barsoom upon the Therns. Taking advantage of the present mayhem, Carter and his accomplices are able to hijack a Black Pirate flier, killing most of the Pirates in the process and saving a Thern captive. Carter learns that the Black Pirates or the “First Born”, also see themselves as gods therefore clarifying their hatred for the Therns. The Red Planet finds itself in a time of crisis, immersed in religious and schismatic conflict, and it is up to Carter to not only participate but maneuver a planetary scale revolution.

Burroughs continues his fast moving plot full of action and twists, as the endearing hero must prevail through many obstacles and bring order between the inhabitants, while ultimately reuniting himself with his family. The Gods of Mars is an exciting installment in the Barsoom series which continues to pave the way for science fiction as its protagonist faces his greatest challenges and deadliest dangers to date.

Reviewer:Emma Ashley - March 5, 2020Subject:Be honest and kindLovely voice few slips but well read really enjoyed this book thank you.

Reviewer:Rob Cooney - May 10, 2016Subject:John carterI am a lifelong fan of the Mars books and I thank the reader for taking the time to bring this book to life and the others I only wish the whole range was availible many thanks JD

Reviewer:James - March 2, 2016Can we get someone literate to read this book aloud, please?

Reviewer:Dawn - December 23, 2015Subject:the Gods of MarsThe reader did OK with the exception of his pronunciation f the word "escape" it's not "excape". Unfortunately, escape is the topic of almost every sentence for a while.

Reviewer:julie - November 23, 2015Subject:Review gods of Mars I'm hooked on these books. Mr. Burroughs has an imagination when it comes to fighting. Narrations is excellent. Here comes #3.

Reviewer:henan - December 17, 2014Subject:the gods of marsWhat's wrong with the reader? why is everyone complaining? I find him did a pretty nice job there. and thank you so much for your time.

Reviewer:John - November 17, 2014Subject:The Gods of MarsEnding Sucks - Wont ever again read the work of this author.

Reviewer:Andy - July 26, 2014Subject:The Gods of MarsI found this rather turgid compared to the previous novel and the reader did a good job with a few stumbles considering Burroughs over-elaborate prose None of the Martians I know who say Forsooth

Reviewer:Scott - November 18, 2013I read some of the reviews about the reader below. Give the guy a break. He volunteered his time to read this book and this is the thanks he gets? I found that he did a pretty good job. The first few chapters were a little shaky but he did great after that. The story is good but not as good as the first story. I wanted to continue with the series and it was worth listening to. Thanks so much.

Reviewer:Phillip - November 7, 2013I hate cliffhangers so I had to move onto this book, but was disappointed that it ended in another cliffhanger. I can't say I wasn't riveted to the story though. If you're like me though, don't start unless you plan on moving on to the next in the series (Warlords of Mars). That is where you will reach an ending without a cliffhanger. As far as the reading, compared to how I can do, he was great. Not nearly as bad as how some made JD out to be. Don't let the comments below discourage you from continuing.

Reviewer:Mr. Cab - May 3, 2013The reader seems to mispronounce quite a bit. Comical at times. The book itself isn't all that great. Not as fun as the first one. I've listened though the first three and gave up there. No interest in continuing.

April 20, 2013The reader fails in comparison to "A Princess of Mars" reader. The book was great and full of action. The story would be great for a film. But please don't invite the guy who is reading this book.